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Brookings Health System
Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting
August 26, 2024
The Brookings Health System Board of Trustees held a meeting on August 26, 2024, at the Brookings
Hospital in the Board Room with the following members present: Sheila Anderson, David Meyer, Dick
Peterson, Andrew Ellsworth, Tracy Greene, Don Greiner, Mary Anne Krogh and Jim Morgan; Ex-officio:
Andrew Rasmussen and Ryan Krogman
Absent: Lynn Darnall
Management Present: Jason Merkley, CEO; Tammy Hillestad, CNO; Melissa Wagner, CFO and Sheri
Wiig, recorder
President Anderson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
INVITED GUEST
Julia Yoder, Marketing and PR Director at Brookings Health System presented information on the new
strategic marketing plan and campaign that supports Brookings Health’s strategic goals. The “Every
Person Matters” campaign launched this month and focuses on community, quality + service and
workforce. Campaign development included aspects of what healthcare consumers are looking for as well
as Brookings Health strengths.
Yoder was thanked for her good work and informative presentation. Yoder exited at 5:40 p.m.
AGENDA
A motion was made by Peterson, seconded by Greene to approve the agenda. All present voted in favor;
motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Krogh, seconded by Peterson to approve the following consent agenda items: June
24, 2024, Board of Trustees meeting minutes, August 21, 2024, Medical Executive Committee meeting
minutes, June and July 2024 financials, adjustments, and payables; total payables for June were
$2,319,795.36 and $2,197,708.63 for July, BHS Board Bylaws Annual Review and Quality Assessment
Performance Improvement Program Annual Review. All present voted in favor; motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding an amendment to the BHS Board of Trustees bylaws. Morgan suggested
updating Article 3, Section 3.3.2 Criteria for Appointment. A redlined draft will be shared next month for
discussion and/or approval.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Articles of interest included: “The biggest issue for CFOs in 2024”, “Hospital margins dip”, Becker's
Hospital Review; “The Leap to Self-Insurance”, Managed Healthcare Executive, and “The doctor will see
you now, but AI may be listening in”, Managed Healthcare Executive. Merkley commented AI use within
exams rooms is becoming more prevalent for some providers as a valuable tool for documentation. AI
should also be positive for patients as it will allow increased face to face time with their provider.
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REPORTS
Executive Reports
CEO Report
Merkley noted BHS Foundation’s Aiming to Inspire Health sporting clays fundraiser held earlier this
month and was a great success with good community participation and net proceeds reaching
approximately $31k. Funds raised will go towards the purchase of a new advanced life support ambulance
for Brookings Health System.
CFO Report
Wagner noted, in September, Brookings Health System will roll out new patient statements and an
enhanced online payment portal utilizing vendor RevSpring/PersonaPay. The new user-friendly platform
will improve the overall patient payment experience. Wagner also shared Brookings Health will, once
again, be hosting Senior Health Information & Insurance Education (SHIINE) sessions in September for
those interested in learning more about Medicare prior to open enrollment.
CNO Report
Hillestad shared, earlier this month three (3) South Dakota Department of Health surveyors arrived
unannounced to conduct a thorough review of BHS’s Home Health Agency. Surveyors were onsite for
two (2) days and found the department to be in complete compliance with no deficiencies or technical
requests.
Board Committee Reports
Administrative Committee Meeting
Committee member Meyer provided a report; the Administrative Committee met on August 20th. Topics
of discussion included the Yorkshire Medical Building Floor and Site Plan, Physician
Recruitment/Retention, Meditech Expanse/Avera/Workday/Epic, Board Recruitment, Board of Trustees
Bylaws and Community Sponsorships.
Finance Committee
Committee Chair Greiner provided a report; the Finance Committee met on August 20th. The committee
reviewed and approved payables, adjustments, and financials for June and July. Total salaries and wages
were $2,878,052 for June and $3,004,170 for July. Other topics of discussion included information on the
new user-friendly platform for patient statements and online payment portal.
Quality Committee
Committee Chair Krogh provided a report; the Quality Committee met on August 20th. Topics of
discussion included Rural Health Clinics Quality Review, Pay for Performance Program Update, Hospital
Readmission Reduction Program, Hospital Acquired Condition Pay for Performance and Early Detection
Sepsis Protection.
NEW BUSINESS
Medical Staff Credentialing
A motion was made by Ellsworth, seconded by Morgan to approve all August 2024 credentialing as
recommended by the Medical Executive Committee. All present voted in favor; motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Yorkshire Medical Building
Merkley presented updated site and floor plans to all members. Groundbreaking is targeted to begin in
November for phase I which will include therapy and optical services.
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Upon motion by Ellsworth, second by Peterson, the meeting adjourned at 6:21 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________________
David Meyer